in the running

in the running

Eligible to win something or be appointed to some position. I'm in the running to win a new car. There are a lot of entries, but at least there's a chance! George is in the running for the manager position, and he's the best candidate if you ask me. There are three playoff spots left—that means we're still in the running, so don't give up!
See also: running
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

in the running

Fig. in competition; competing and having a chance to win. (See also in a bind and the examples.) Is Tom still in the running? Does he still have a chance to be elected? I don't know about Tom, but Gladys is definitely still in the running.
See also: running
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

in the running

1. Entered as a competitor in a contest. For example, Is Mary in the running for this election? The antonym, out of the running, means "not entered as a competitor," as in Ian is out of the running for the job now that he's living in another state. [Mid-1800s]
2. Having a chance to win, as in Mary's still in the running for the promotion. Again, out of the running means the opposite, as in He's too old-he's out of the running. [Mid-1800s] Both usages allude to the entry and chances of a horse in a race.
See also: running
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

in (or out of) the running

in (or no longer in) contention for an award, victory, or a place in a team.
See also: running
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

in/out of the ˈrunning (for something)

(informal) having some/no chance of succeeding or achieving something: She’s definitely in the running for a prize. He’s out of the running for the Paris job now.
See also: of, out, running
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

in the running

1. Entered as a contender in a competition.
2. Having the possibility of winning or placing well in a competition.
See also: running
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • in/out of the running
  • be in the running
  • out to win
  • get the W
  • the W
  • odds-on favorite
  • carry the day
  • carry/win the day
  • win-win
  • win around